Branded apparel is one of those things small business owners think about for years before they actually do it. They want their team in matching polos. They want shirts for the company softball league. They want hoodies for the staff. But the project sits on the to-do list because they don’t know where to start. Here’s the short version.
Decide what the apparel is for first
This is the step everyone skips. Apparel for your in-shop team is different from apparel for an event giveaway. Daily-wear staff uniforms need to survive a hundred washes, so the fabric weight and the print method matter. Event giveaways can be lighter shirts with bigger, bolder graphics — they’re meant to be seen, not lived in. Don’t order one and use it for the other.
Pick the right decoration method for the job
Screen printing is the workhorse for shirts with big graphics in 1-4 colors, and it gets cheaper per unit the more you order. Embroidery is the go-to for polos, jackets, and headwear — it lasts forever and looks more premium. Direct-to-garment (DTG) is best for full-color, photo-quality designs in small quantities. We talk through this with every client because picking the wrong method costs money and looks worse.
Don’t skimp on the blank
The garment matters at least as much as the print on it. We work with quality apparel brands so you’re not handing your team a shirt that fades, pills, or shrinks two sizes after the first wash. A $4 shirt with a $3 print costs you $7 and ends up in a drawer. A $9 shirt with a $3 print costs you $12 and gets worn for years.
Order more than you think
Almost every client we work with under-orders the first time. They forget about new hires, replacement shirts, the lost ones, the ones the manager gives away. Order 15-20% more than the headcount and you’ll thank yourself in six months.
Apparel projects look intimidating from the outside but most of the work is just talking through what you actually need. We’ll help you size it up.
Let’s bring your project to life.
Choice1Graphics can help with this — every job we mentioned here, we do in-house at our Webster shop. Have a project in mind? Reach out for a free quote or stop by 505 S Main St, Webster.